Jessica wasn’t kidding.

 

Sooyoung should have learned by now she doesn’t kid around.

 

She couldn’t ride her bike much less stand for three days now because god damn, the woman had her hostage for a whole day without letting her up. Her friends have been sniggering behind her back and no amount of threats could stop them. For some unknown reason, they managed to find out...well at least have an idea what happened. Her waddling may have gave it away.

 

She took her ing sweet “revenge” and Sooyoung’s suffering the aftermath of it all. She should be mad right now but the image of it all is still fresh in her mind that she could easily imagine it all whenever she closes her eyes.

 

She sighs as she stares blankly at her laptop screen.

 

She just sent her final manuscript the yesterday day and she’s been waiting for news. She feels pretty confident on her work but she’s still feeling quite nervous. She had her friends read parts of it and they all gave positive reviews. Then again, they are her friends so bias can’t be avoided. She thought about having Jessica read it but she got a bit insecure and conscious. What if she didn’t like it? But now she kind of regrets it. Jessica would be the perfect critic, she’ll give it to you straight if she likes it or not.

 

She sighs. She really hoped she got it this time.

 

If it doesn’t work, she might as well accept that offer from that magazine. The pay was good and it would be perfect to kill time before inspiration hits her again and start a new novel.

 

That aside, her attention goes to her phone.

 

J: Have you eaten yet?

 

Sooyoung couldn’t help but smile.

 

They haven’t seen each other since then. Although, they have been exchanging messages a lot. Sooyoung assumed Jessica is busy with work again. They were in the middle of something big apparently. And while she’s busy doing that, Sooyoung was busy with her own work. With having barely enough strength to stand and even walk these past three days, she’s been stuck to her chair only going out when her friends invited her the other day to celebrate Yuri’s promotion as a full time faculty in the university.

 

S: Not yet.

 

J: You’re what? 25? You should really take care of yourself and start eating your meals.

 

S: 24.

 

S: Isn’t that why I have you now? :)

 

J: I’m 25.

 

J: Well listen to your unnie and eat. If I had known I was going to be a part time mom, I wouldn’t have agreed to this relationship.

 

S: I’ll eat! I’ll eat! Please don’t break up with me :’(

 

J: Do you even have food there?

 

S: Wait. Let me check.

 

S: I have some cereal and milk :)))

 

J: Okay. That’s it. I’m picking you up. We’re having dinner out.

 

S: I can’t.

 

J: What do you mean you can’t?

 

S: I LITERALLY CAN’T

 

J: I don’t understand.

 

S: It’s all your fault hmph

 

J: Still???

 

S: YES STILL. YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW HARD IT HAS BEEN TO STAND MUCH LESS WALK. WALK. WALKING AS IN THE ONLY EXERCISE I DO AND YOU TOOK THAT AWAY FROM ME.

 

It took a while before Jessica replied.

 

J: My secretary walked in on me on the floor. She thought I was hyperventilating. Good thing I managed to stop her before she called an ambulance.

 

S: Are you okay???!!

 

J: My stomach hurts

 

J: from laughing. I can’t

 

J: I really can’t

 

J: I’m laughing again

 

S: ):((((

 

J: ROFL

 

S: I’m breaking up with you.

 

It took a while before Jessica replied again.

 

J: No, you’re not.

 

J:

 

S: No, I’m not.

 

J: You’re so easy.

 

S: Only for you ;)

 

J: You damn flirt.

 

S: I only flirt with you.

 

J: That better be the truth.

 

S: I swear on my heart :)

 

Moments later, her doorbell rang. She was confused. She wasn’t expecting anyone today. From the camera, she saw it was a food delivery service.

 

“I think you got the wrong door,” she told the man over the

 

“Oh? Are you not Miss Choi Sooyoung?”

 

“I am. But I didn’t order any.”

 

“Oh! A Miss Jung called earlier and instructed us to deliver this to you asap.”

 

Sooyoung widened her eyes. She immdeiately opened the door and took the still warm food off his hands. After thanking him, she shut the door and went directly to grab her phone.

 

She went to speed dial and immediately pressed the call button.

 

“He-”

 

“I love you so much!”

 

She heard Jessica chuckle.

 

“Oh? What did I do to deserve such a bold declaration?”

 

“You know what you did.”

 

“Do tell.”

 

“You know the way to my heart very well. You sent my favorites too.”

 

“You’re welcome,” Jessica replied with a soft laugh.

 

“When can I see you again?”

 

“Miss me?”

 

“I really do.”

 

“I miss you too,” Jessica spoke gently. “I finish work in about two hours. I can swing by your place later.”

 

“Okay. Great!”

 

“See you then.”

 

“Yeah. See you.”

 

Sooyoung ended the call with a big fat smile on her face.

 

With renewed vigor, Jessica managed to finish her work 30 minutes earlier. She quickly got her things together and exited her building. As she was about to call for her driver to pick her up, the roaring sound of a familiar engine got closer.

 

Jessica eyed the familiar bike, crossing her arms as she watched the owner stop right in front of her.

 

“You sure know how to make a flashy entrance,” she commented.

 

Sooyoung flashed her a grin as she removed her helmet.

 

“I couldn’t sit still so I came to pick you up.”

 

“I thought you couldn’t walk.”

 

Sooyoung shrugged.

 

“It's bearable. If it means I get to see you much earlier then I don’t mind.”

 

Jessica made the few steps between them. She grabbed her by her jacket and pulled her into a searing kiss. Sooyoung would comment on how they were out in the open but she couldn’t care less about what people think right now when she was being kissed like this.

 

“I should come pick you up more often,” Sooyoung said as they broke apart. “If you keep kissing me like that.”

 

“Maybe you should,” Jessica said with a smile.

 

“So where to, Miss Jung?”

 

“Anywhere as long as I’m with you.”

 

Sooyoung laughed.

 

“That’s so cheesy.”

 

Jessica pouted.

 

“I mean it though,” Jessica mumbled.

 

Sooyoung couldn’t help think how cute she was right now, so she gave her a quick peck on the cheek.

 

“As long as you’re fine with me.”

 

“I am,” Jessica replied immediately. “And sorry I didn’t get to say it earlier.”

 

“Hmm?”

 

“I love you too.”

 

Sooyoung could feel her heart melt at those words and dove in for another kiss.

 

---

 

“Congratulations on your book.”

 

Sooyoung turned in her chair.

 

She was immediately met by a kiss.

 

“Thank you and congratulations too. I saw the news earlier.”

 

“Why thank you.”

 

“You wanna go out and celebrate with our friends?”

 

As Jessica thought about it, she sat herself on her lap, snaking her arms around her neck. She then nuzzled her face to the side of her neck.

 

She breathed in her familiar scent and then sighed.

 

“Tomorrow. I want to celebrate tonight with just the two of us.”

 

Just the two of them.

 

They shared a look and smiled at each other.

 

“Okay.”

 

Sooyoung wrapped her arms around her waist and hugged her closer. Like they have done so many times, they leaned into each other and brought their lips together. Softly at first then the swipe of a tongue. Compliant lips opened as they both seeked access. Soft bites and of lips. They had to reluctantly pull apart for air.

 

Their foreheads were against each other and lips brushing just a hair’s breath.

 

“Move in with me,” Sooyoung said.

 

“My place is bigger,” Jessica replied.

 

“That’s true. I shouldn’t have as-”

 

“Move in with me,” Jessica cut her off.

 

 

---

 

“Happy Birthday,” whispered a voice into her ear.

 

Jessica didn’t open her eyes but let a smile slip out.

 

She hummed when she felt feather light kisses on her .

 

“Wake up,” Sooyoung murmured against her skin. “Don’t you want your present?”

 

Jessica relented and her back to face her.

 

“Well? What’s my present?”

 

“Me!” Sooyoung enthusiastically answered.

 

Jessica raised a brow.

 

“Oh.”

 

Sooyoung feigned to be hurt as she clutched her chest.

 

“You don’t like your present?”

 

“Well…,” she began as she hung her head to the side. “I could do some convincing.”

 

“Convincing, huh. Well wait right there. Breakfast in bed sound good to you?”

 

“Sure.”

 

It didn’t take long before Sooyoung came back with a tray of food.

 

“That was fast.”

 

“I woke up early.”

 

“So this was planned.”

 

“Yep. You have me for the whole day. I called in sick for you at work.”

 

“You what?” Jessica stopped mid bite of her omelet.

 

“Seohyun said she’ll call if anything important came up. She said not to worry.”

 

Jessica was about to speak but decided not to. It seemed she’s got the whole day planned.

 

“Fine.”

 

“Anyways, get dressed once you’re finished. We have a schedule to follow.”

 

Jessica whined.

 

“Can’t we just stay in?”

 

“Nope. We have to meet with the others later for lunch.”

 

Jessica sighed.

 

“Don’t be like that. It’s your birthday. It’s mandatory to celebrate with your friends.”

 

“I get it.”

 

And just like that, for lunch, they all met up with Sooyoung’s friends and Tiffany whom Jessica befriended over the time their companies worked together. Jessica was thankful towards for Sooyoung because she had to agree, celebrating with friends was nice. This was still a bit new for her. She hasn’t had close friends over the years so she usually spent it alone or with her family. But now, she had what she could call friends. She learned to open up more. All of it was mainly thanks to Sooyoung and her friends were also a big help. They were patient with her and didn’t seem to mind when she got sarcastic. They found it amusing she learned.

 

Afterwards, they went to a theme park. She found that she enjoyed the adrenaline-inducing rides. She felt sorry towards Sooyoung who got to endure her screams. She can get quite pitchy.

 

Once they had their fun, they went to their restaurant. They went there at least once or twice a month. A tradition of theirs. The owners, who’ve become quite a fan of the couple, had made a special VIP room for them much to both of their surprise.

 

“The owners would like to extend their congratulations and had reserved a VIP room for you. You are welcome to use it any time you come here.”

 

They still have not personally met with the owners but they made sure to pass on their regards. Jessica even invested into their restaurant which the owners tried to decline. But as usual, Jessica got her way in the end.

 

“So? Did you enjoy your day?”

 

“I did,” Jessica replied with a soft smile. “Thank you.”

 

“Welcome.”

 

Sooyoung grinned proudly at her.

 

Jessica looked on fondly.

 

“Thank you for the present.”

 

Jessica meant it.

 

Sooyoung has been the reason why she can smile a lot these days. Her family even pointed it out much to her embarrassment.

 

She is her happiness.

 

Happiness.

 

She felt lucky having found that. Some people go on with life being miserable. She assumed she’d be one of them and yet here she is now. Here she is now with the person she’s come to love over the past three years.

 

“I’m glad to hear that,” Sooyoung spoke. “Really glad.”

 

After a few moments of eating in silence, Jessica thought it odd how weirdly quiet she was. She noticed her fiddling with her napkin and barely touching her food.

 

She observed her carefully, sipping on her wine thoughtfully.

 

“Is there something wrong?” she asked finally.

 

Sooyoung snapped her gaze towards her, her eyes wide with surprise. She then rubbed the back of her neck sheepishly.

 

Sooyoung cleared .

 

“Nothing.”

 

“Are you sure?”

 

“Yes.”

 

Jessica leaned back into her chair and crossed her arms.

 

Sooyoung mirrored her actions.

 

They stared at each other for quite some time.

 

Sooyoung couldn’t take it anymore and groaned.

 

“Well?”

 

Jessica smirked. She then took a sip of her wine.

 

Sooyoung glanced at her in annoyance.

 

She groaned once again as she stared at her lap. After a minute of contemplation, she heaved a breath and focused her attention back to Jessica.

 

“Today, I’m your present,” Sooyoung began. “Then can I be your future too?”

 

Jessica stopped swirling her glass and raised a brow in her direction.

 

 

"Oh god. That sounded so much better in my head," Sooyoung exclaimed. "Please forget I said-"

 

 

“Is that a proposal, Miss Choi?” Jessica interjected.

 

 

Sooyoung stared at her, her confidence returning as she saw a smile on her lips.

 

“Well, that would be Mrs. Choi to you depending on your answer.”

 

“Why can’t it be Mrs. Jung?”

 

“It can be? I mean, we can maybe even hyphenate our surna-,” Sooyoung stopped. She looked at Jessica dead in the eye. “Does this mean you accept?”

 

After a moment, Jessica finally let herself break into a smile.

 

“Yes.”

 

“Oh my god! She said yes! She said-,” Sooyoung looked around and then deflated. “Oh. I forgot we were in a VIP room. In my head, I imagined the other tables clapping and cheering for us after you said 'yes'.”

 

Jessica rolled her eyes.

 

“You and your fantasies.”

 

“Oh come on, Sica. Don’t you want a movie moment?”

 

“I’m not in a movie.”

 

Ignoring her, Sooyoung walked towards the door and quickly opened it.

 

“SHE SAID YES!!!”

 

Jessica could only facepalm and shake her head.

 

“I think I may have answered wrongly,” she muttered.

 

Much to Sooyoung’s dismay and Jessica’s mirth, the other people in the restaurant only looked at Sooyoung weirdly. Sooyoung walked back to their table and slumped in her seat.

 

Suddenly, she was grabbing her phone from her pocket.

 

“I almost forgot to call your mom.”

 

Jessica perked up at that.

 

“My mom?”

 

“Yeah. She told me to call her immediately once you said ‘Yes’.”

 

“Wait. So she knew you were proposing?”

 

“Yeah. I mean, I wouldn’t propose without informing your parents first. I want the most important people in your life to know and get their permission first. Your parents treasure you a lot and so I wanted them to get a heads up that you’re gonna be my treasure now,” she said with a grin.

 

Jessica blushed at her words.

 

Her treasure.

 

Sooyoung wasn’t aware how Jessica was gazing lovingly at her as she focused on talking to her soon to be mother-in-law. Jessica sipped on her drink as she watched Sooyoung tell her mom all about their day and to how she accepted her proposal.

 

“Sica, your mom wants to talk to you,” Sooyoung said as she handed her phone.

 

Jessica cleared as she received the offered phone.

 

“Hi, mom.”

 

“Hello, darling. I just wanted to say congratulations!”

 

“Thank you.”

 

She couldn’t help but smile at her mom’s enthusiasm.

 

She remembered how her parents were unsure of how to react when they learned about her relationship. They had been officially dating for 6 months when she decided to tell them. Sooyoung told her there was no rush but she felt guilty towards both Sooyoung and her parents for hiding their relationship. It didn’t sit well with her.

 

She explained it to them and, slowly, they learned to accept, much thanks to her little sister who helped make them understand and "get in with the times". Her mom got along quickly with Sooyoung, no surprise there. Her father on the other hand, well, he didn’t really say anything. He wasn’t cold nor particualry nice towards Sooyoung. Just...neutral. She was surprised when her father didn’t push for them to break up or force any more suitors her way. She saw this as a good thing.

 

“Oh! Your father wants to talk to you.”

 

She suddenly got nervous.

 

“Hello?” came in his deep voice.

 

“Hi, dad.”

 

“I heard you said yes.”

 

“I did.”

 

“...”

 

“...”

 

“Are you happy?” he asked.

 

Jessica was caught off guard with the question. But, she then smiled. Her father, like her, appeared cold. But, he was a caring man.

 

“I am.”

 

“Good. You both take care then.”

 

“We will.”

 

“And...come visit more often. Her too.”

 

“We will.”

 

“Glad to hear it. Congratulations to both of you.”

 

“Thank you.”

 

Jessica sniffed as she felt her tears running down her face. Sooyoung, ever the worrying person that she is, stood close to her and began wiping them away.

 

After ending the call, she wrapped her arms around Sooyoung’s midsection and hugged her close. Looking down at her, Sooyoung ran her hand over her head comfortingly.

 

“Did you have a nice talk?”

 

Jessica nodded against her stomach.

 

“Shall we go home then?”

 

Leaning away from her, Jessica wipe her tears and looked up at her.

 

“Still want that movie moment?”

 

Sooyoung grinned.

 

After getting permission, Sooyoung stood at the small stage where the live band was playing.

 

“Ehem. May I please have your attention? Sorry for interrupting your dinner,” she told them. “I’m standing here before you to make you all jealous as I announce that I’m proposing to the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen whom I first met at this very establishment. Won’t you please come up?”

 

Jessica found herself regretting it a bit as she felt all eyes on her.

 

But, then again, it’s her moment so why not be in the spotlight.

 

She walked up on stage and stood next to Sooyoung.

 

Holding her hands, Sooyoung kneeled in front of her.

 

“I’ve done this many times before,” Sooyoung said while winking at her. Some of the customers laughed at that. “But this time it’s special because you get to receive a fancy ring I can finally afford.”

 

Once again, some of the customers laughed.

 

“Miss Jessica Jung, will you allow me to wake up to you every morning, kiss you every chance I get, and mooch off your money?”

 

That earned her a slap from Jessica and laughs from their audience.

 

“Hey, I’m just a writer,” Sooyoung defended.

 

“A best selling author,” Jessica pointed out.

 

Sooyoung shrugged.

 

“You’re the one with the building.”

 

Jessica just rolled her eyes.

 

“Your answer then?”

 

“Yes,” Jessica said then paused before saying, “Mrs. Jung.”

 

Sooyoung grinned from ear to ear as she took out the ring from her pocket and slipped it onto her ring finger.

 

“I promise to make you happy, Mrs. Choi.”

 

As Sooyoung stood up, Jessica wrapped her arms around her neck and pulled her into a kiss. Just like Sooyoung wanted, she had her movie moment. The people in the restaurant cheered for them in their seats.

 

As they broke the kiss, Jessica smiled adoringly at her.

 

“You already have.”

 

THE END.